If you love easy dinners that taste like they took hours, this brown sugar garlic chicken recipe is for you. With just a few ingredients, it delivers juicy chicken coated in a buttery garlic glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. The brown sugar adds just the right sweetness while the garlic gives it that irresistible aroma every kitchen deserves.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Only 6 simple ingredients and 10 minutes of prep.
• Perfect balance of sweet, savory, and garlicky flavor.
• Crispy golden edges with tender, juicy meat.
• Works with chicken breasts, thighs, or drumsticks.
• Family favorite that feels fancy but stays easy.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

• 4 boneless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar (light or dark)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Optional add-ins: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or crushed red pepper for heat.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Pat chicken dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
3. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, garlic, butter, and olive oil into a smooth glaze.
4. Arrange chicken in a baking dish and spoon glaze evenly over the top.
5. Bake 20–25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through (internal temp 165°F) and golden brown.
6. Spoon pan juices over the chicken before serving for that glossy, sticky finish.

Your brown sugar garlic chicken recipe is now ready — tender inside, caramelized on the outside, and bursting with flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this dish with roasted potatoes, garlic green beans, or steamed rice to soak up that sweet-savory sauce. A side salad or buttered rolls completes the meal beautifully.

Quick Tips or Variations

• Swap butter for honey butter for a richer glaze.
• Double the sauce for meal prep or leftovers.
• Add lemon juice for a tangy balance.

FAQs

1. What is brown sugar garlic chicken made of?
It’s made with chicken, brown sugar, garlic, butter, olive oil, and simple seasoning.

2. How do you make brown sugar garlic chicken crispy?
Pat the chicken dry before baking and broil for 2–3 minutes at the end for extra caramelization.

3. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in brown sugar garlic chicken?
Yes! Thighs stay extra juicy and are perfect for this recipe. Just add 5 minutes to the cooking time.

4. What should I serve with brown sugar garlic chicken?
Pair with mashed potatoes, rice, roasted veggies, or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.

Conclusion

This brown sugar garlic chicken recipe is proof that simple ingredients can create magic. It’s sweet, savory, and wonderfully juicy perfect for busy nights when you still want something homemade and impressive.

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